The Chinese government would make proper arrangements to ensure the personal safety of Chinese nationals in Haiti and help them return to China as soon as possible, Chinese business representative in Haiti Wang Shuping said Wednesday.

According to statistics from his office, 53 Chinese nationals, including one Taiwan compatriot, are trapped in Haiti, where a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck last week. They are either employed by Chinese and foreign companies or work for the United Nations.

Among them, 47 people want to return to China and are expecting trips home as soon as possible, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Wang told Xinhua that his office would do its best to ensure the safety of the Chinese nationals while they remain in Haiti and help them promptly return home once conditions permit.

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2010)